Discrimination and harassment

Discrimination and harassment can be direct or indirect, and can affect players, fans, parents, coaches, volunteers, and the wider community.
Although research suggests that positive sport and physical activity experiences can help to improve physical, mental and social wellbeing, sport can also be a site of discrimination and harassment based on known or assumed sexuality or gender identity. 2, 6, 9, 25, 29, 32, 33, 34, 43, 53, 120, 121
Discrimination is when a person is treated badly or unfairly, including bullying and harassment, due to a personal characteristic that is protected by law – which includes sex, gender identity, or sexual orientation – and which results in a negative outcome. It can be both direct and indirect, and can affect players, fans, parents, coaches, volunteers, and the wider sporting community. 14, 58, 59, 60
Within a sporting environment, behaviour or attitudes that produce prejudice, exclusion, or harassment not only tarnish the reputation of individuals, but clubs and sport as a whole. 2, 29, 51, 53, 61
Experience of LGBTIQ+ participantsExperiences of discrimination and harassment can include verbal and physical abuse, as well as exclusion and silencing tactics. These actions can be very hurtful and offensive to those who are targeted, causing depression, anxiety, and isolation. While some incidences are highly visible, the majority are never discussed. 2, 14, 15, 33, 36, 43, 61, 62, 63, 64
Experiences of harassment, discrimination, and exclusion of LGBTIQ+ sports participants have been documented in multiple Australian and international reports and research projects, some clear trends are evident: 2, 9, 14, 29, 30, 32, 35, 37, 51, 53, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 120
People who identify as LGBTIQ+ often feel unwelcome and/or unsafe in sporting environments, particularly team sport environments. 2, 9, 10, 14, 25, 26, 29, 30, 31, 32, 43, 120
Participants – including players, fans, coaches, officials – often conceal their sexuality or gender identity from teammates and others affiliated with their clubs due to fear of discrimination, harassment, or abuse. 10, 14, 15, 30, 32, 36, 52, 62, 68, 69
Gay men are less likely to play team sports than lesbian women. 6, 30, 32
Gay men are also more likely to feel unwelcome and worried about rejection and discrimination by teammates and coaches. 10, 30, 53, 68
Non-binary, transgender, and gender diverse participants were more likely to feel excluded and that sport and exercise activities were discriminatory due to binary gender practices and environments (e.g. not allowing participants to engage as their affirmed gender, lack of non-binary and/or mixed gender opportunities, separate male and female facilities instead of unisex and/or private options). 10, 26, 31, 43, 63, 120
The majority of participants (of any sexuality) report frequent homophobic comments (including ‘jokes’) occurring in sports and leisure environments, often more frequent in team sports. 2, 14, 15, 29, 30, 43, 53, 62
School physical education and sport activities are common sites of discrimination and harassment. This can lead individuals to disengage and drop out of sport and physical activity at young ages with negative impacts on their long-term health and wellbeing. 2, 6, 17, 26, 31, 43, 121
A 2021 South Australian study found that nearly 80% of LGBTIQ+ participants had experienced or witnessed sexism in sport compared to 65% of heterosexual participants. The majority of both LGBTIQ+ and heterosexual participants had experienced (or witnessed) verbal homophobia in sport (64% and 59%, respectively). Five percent (n = 4) of LGBTIQ+ and 2% (n = 1) of heterosexual participants had experienced (or witnessed) physical homophobic assault in sport. 14, 25
Common perpetrators of abuse are opposition players/participants, spectators, and team members. 62, 63, 68, 120
The 2021 Australian Writing Themselves In report found that of the 95 participants who reported experiencing harassment or assault based on their sexuality or gender identity at sport in the past 12 months, almost two-thirds (n = 61) reported the perpetrator was a player from their team, half (n = 49) a player from another team, one fifth spectators (n = 20), and 16% (n = 16) a coach. 35
A 2024 Australian survey looked at rates of, and barriers to, participation in sport/fitness, as well as experiences of bullying for transgender and gender diverse people. It found that 34% of respondents reported experiencing bullying from an individual within a sport/fitness setting. Experiences of gender-based bullying or exclusion (e.g., intentional misgendering) were most commonly reported as coming from other participants (17%), sport/fitness staff (16%), and own team members (14%). 120
Australian sporting organisations have obligations under Federal. State, and Territory anti-discrimination legislation in the jurisdictions that they operate. This includes understanding exceptions or special measures that may apply. There are various organisations that provide guidance in this space, such as the Australian Human Rights Commission or the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission. 70, 71, 72, 73
Resources and reading 
How to talk to kids about homophobic slurs on the sporting field, opens in a new tab, Anna Chisholm, ABC Lifestyle, 23 July 2024). Professor Jeanes says it's important to have regular discussions that allow kids to talk about and reflect on discrimination. It takes a "proactive step" to initiate these conversations. "As parents or coaches on the sideline, we might not be hearing things that are being said within games." Professor Jeanes says some ways into a conversation might include: Talking to kids about what they're hearing on the field and while involved with sport. If they use or share examples of homophobic language, asking kids why they're using a word or phrase and where it's come from. Asking if kids understand the context of a word they've heard or are using, and explaining it. Making sure the "link between [a word or phrase] being highly offensive and discriminatory" is understood.
'We need all the help we can get' - Inside football's fight against homophobia, opens in a new tab, Neil Jones, GOAL, (21 February 2022). Set up in 2010, the Football v Homophobia campaign continues to grow and shine a light on key issues within the sport. FvH was set up in 2010, its aim to, in Englefield’s words, “do exactly what it said on the tin” and tackle the issue of homophobia, and homophobic language, within football. "Rather than criticising it, saying football is homophobic, it said that 'We are football, and we are against this.' “Football fans and players could really get behind that, because it kind of pushed homophobia away from the game.” Englefield says, the key thing is to keep the conversation going, to keep talking and learning, and to keep the issues surrounding homophobia under the spotlight. “The thing about LGBT+ people is that ultimately we are a minority,” she says. “We know that the numbers are rising, that more people are identifying as something other than heterosexual, that more young people are seeing sexuality and gender as a bit of a spectrum, but we are never going to be a majority. “the world has changed a lot in the last 12 years, and so has football. Hopefully that can continue.”
‘No words’: gay Australian footballer Josh Cavallo calls out homophobic crowd abuse, opens in a new tab, Mike Hytner, ABC News, (9 January 2022). Josh Cavallo, who last year became the only openly gay male professional top flight men’s footballer in the world, says he has “no words” to describe his disappointment at being targeted by homophobic abuse during an A-League Men game over the weekend.
Thirty studies provide strong evidence of need for action, opens in a new tab, Out on the Fields, (21 May 2021). Over the last two decades dozens of academic studies have found strong resistance and little progress in stopping the discrimination that LGBTQ+ children and adults experience in sport. There are many people in the sport sector who want to do the right thing, but may be unaware of everything done in the past. This means the same ineffective approaches have been repeated. For example, we have had peer-reviewed scientific evidence for at least a decade that the policies in sport that ban homophobic behaviours are ineffective and need to be completely redesigned. They are complaint-based, which means a child would have to file a formal complaint about their teammates using homophobic banter. The policies also often only prohibit language motivated by hate, whereas this language is used constantly in sport and generally used to conform to social norms. We created this list of resources to help break this cycle.
Sport, opens in a new tab, Morgan Carpenter, Intersex Human Rights Australia, (24 February 2021). Intersex people suffer exclusion and stigmatisation in sport. This takes multiple forms. On a day-to-day level, the most significant issue faced by intersex people in sport settings is body shaming, and the idea that our bodies are too masculine or too feminine. Guidance on including intersex people in sport should state that any women and men can always play or compete if that is their birth-assigned legal sex.
Does the Rainbow Laces campaign help to end homophobia in sport?, opens in a new tab Erik Denison, Monash Lens, (4 December 2020). Unfortunately, there's no evidence that the Rainbow Laces campaign, as it's done now, helps to stop homophobic language or make sport more inclusive and welcoming for LGBTQ people. However, with a refocus of the campaign away from professional clubs, and towards amateur clubs and teams, Rainbow Laces could help to reduce homophobic language in sport.
Half of male athletes have recently used homophobic slurs, opens in a new tab, Out in the Fields, (3 December 2020). Researchers investigating the use of homophobic language in multiple sports and countries continue to find more than half of male athletes who play traditionally male sports such as football or rugby union have recently used homophobic language. However, a recent study found this language seems to be disconnected from negative attitudes. Athletes with positive attitudes toward gay people (e.g. supporting same-sex marriage) were just as likely as those with negative attitudes to use slurs.
Alex Blackwell says homophobia remains a serious problem in women's sport despite 'misconceptions', opens in a new tab, ABC News, (3 December 2020). Former Australian cricket captain Alex Blackwell says it is a "misconception" that homophobia is a lesser issue in girls' and women's sport, after a new study revealed many lesbian athletes report experiencing abuse after coming out. A new study by Monash University says nearly 50 per cent of LGBT girls in youth team sport reported being a victim of homophobic abuse after coming out publicly — compared to 24 per cent who were abused but who had not come out.
Pride in Sport Infographic: LGBTQ Inclusion in Sport, opens in a new tab, Pride in Sport, (November 2020). Key statistics and information relating to inclusion in the sport sector.
Homophobia drastically reduced at Australian clubs taking part in pride games, opens in a new tab, Mike Hytner, The Guardian, (26 August 2020). Research, led by Australia’s Monash University, is the first academic study to investigate if such themed games or rounds, which aim to address a range of social issues including homophobia, racism and respect for women, can help stop discriminatory behaviours in male sport. The study focused on the Australian Ice Hockey League and found players in teams that hold pride games use nearly 40% less homophobic language than those in teams that have not held games. A subsequent, larger study that included community cricket, netball, Australian rules football, field hockey, and roller derby reported nearly identical results.
New research reveals use of homophobic language ever-present within sport, opens in a new tab, PREM Rugby, (14 February 2020). The study analysed data collected from randomly selected rugby clubs in the South of England in January and February of 2020. It found that the majority of male rugby players (69%) had heard their teammates using slurs such as fag or dyke in the last two weeks, while 42% of players admitted to using this language themselves in the same time period. The study also found this language does not appear to be motivated by ‘homophobia’ or any malice or prejudice toward gay people, with many of the rugby players who used the ‘slurs’ also expressing positive attitudes toward gay people, and most (67%) male rugby players reported they have ‘close’ gay friends. 69% also want the language to stop and players reported language is motivated by peer pressure, and typically used to get a laugh out of others, or ‘fit in’ on their team.
LGBT discrimination in sport highlighted after a week in the headlines, opens in a new tab, Candice Prosser, ABC News, (5 May 2019). In a week when issues of gender and sexuality in sport have been in the spotlight, new research has found many LGBT athletes feel unsafe and vulnerable — but attitudes are changing.
Statistics on Homophobia and Transphobia in Sport, opens in a new tab, Out in the Fields, (2019). This page shares the results from Out on the Fields (2015) and OutSport (2019), the first and second international research on homophobia and transphobia in sport. You will find statistics on gay athletes and trans athletes. The data comes from 12,000+ lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender participants from all EU countries and the United State, Canada, Australia, and NZ.
Homophobia in sport and why it’s different for women, opens in a new tab, Warby D, Blog (17 February 2014). The content of this article was presented by Danielle Warby at Queer Thinking: Out in Sport as part of the 2014 Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras festival. She discusses stereotypes in sport, how sexism and homophobia are connected, and why it’s damaging for both men and women.
The Invisible Men of the AFL, opens in a new tab, John Buck, (launched August 2024). Podcast series investigating the AFL as a workplace for gay men. Episode 1 includes an interview with Dr David Lowden from La Trobe University whose research is due to be published later in 2024. Dr Lowden did an anonymous survey of 670 players from 17 AFL clubs in which several ticked boxes confirming that they were gay or bisexual. Other episodes look at homophobia in the AFL, legal tipping points, and more.
Harassment and abuse in sport, opens in a new tab, International Olympic Committee, (accessed 30 July 2025). The IOC website provides information on what behaviours constitute sexual harassment and abuse, homophobia, hazing, bystanding, and gender harassment, and what to do if these behaviours take place.
Media reference guide, 11th edition, opens in a new tab, Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD), (accessed 30 July 2025). Fair, accurate, and inclusive news media coverage has played an important role in expanding public awareness and understanding of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) lives. The use of appropriate language and terminology helps to eliminate defamatory rhetoric that may fuel prejudice and discrimination.
Guidelines for the inclusion of transgender and gender diverse people in sport, opens in a new tab, Australian Human Rights Commission in partnership with the Australian Sports Commission and the Coalition of Major Professional and Participation Sports, (June 2019). These Guidelines have been developed to provide guidance to sporting organisations on promoting the inclusion and participation of transgender and gender diverse people in sport. The Guidelines provide information about the operation of the Sex Discrimination Act 1984 (Cth) (the Act) in relation to unlawful and permissible discrimination on the basis of sex and gender identity, sexual harassment, and victimisation as well as practical guidance for promoting inclusion in line with fundamental human rights-based principles. Areas of focus include leadership, inclusion policies, codes of conduct, uniforms, facilities, and collecting and using personal information. Reflective Practice Framework, opens in a new tab, Australian Human Rights Commission, (June 2019). The Commission has also developed this Reflective Practice Framework to assist in monitoring the implementation and impact of the 2019 'Guidelines for the inclusion of transgender and gender diverse people in sport'.
Guideline: Trans and gender diverse inclusion in sport – complying with the Equal Opportunity Act 2010, opens in a new tab,  Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission  (2017). This guideline outlines obligations under the Equal Opportunity Act regarding discrimination against trans and gender diverse people in sport. It provides practical guidance for sporting clubs and organisations about promoting an inclusive environment, being proactive in preventing discrimination and responding appropriately if it occurs.
Anti-Homophobia & Inclusion Framework for Australian Sports, opens in a new tab, Sydney Convicts Rugby Club, (2016). This Framework provides a foundation for the development of a more inclusive and diverse sporting culture in Australia. The Chief Executive Officers of peak representative bodies: Australian Rugby; National Rugby League; Australian Football League; Football Federation Australia; and Cricket Australia have committed their organisations to the development and implementation of policies and international best practices to eradicate homophobia from these sports.
Good practice handbook, No. 4 – LGBT inclusion in sport, opens in a new tab, Englefield L, Council of Europe (2012). This handbook on good practices gives a practical look at the political commitment made by Council of Europe member states in the fight against homophobia in sport. This handbook also examines the reasons for the widespread and continued exclusion of LGBT people from mainstream sport; examines the nature and mechanisms of prejudice and discrimination towards LGBT people in sport, and highlights the costs of this exclusion. The handbook gives examples of good practice in working with both young people and adults to tackle homophobia in sport and to create more inclusive and tolerant sporting environments in which all LGBT athletes can flourish.
IOC Framework on Fairness, Inclusion and Non-Discrimination on the Basis of Gender Identity and Sex Variations, opens in a new tab, International Olympic Committee, (November 2021). The document is issued as part of the IOC’s commitment to respecting human rights (as expressed in Olympic Agenda 2020+5), and as part of the action taken to foster gender equality and inclusion. In issuing this Framework, the IOC recognises that it must be within the remit of each sport and its governing body to determine how an athlete may be at a disproportionate advantage compared with their peers, taking into consideration the nature of each sport. The IOC is therefore not in a position to issue regulations that define eligibility criteria for every sport, discipline or event across the very different national jurisdictions and sport systems. The aim of this Framework is to offer sporting bodies – particularly those in charge of organising elite-level competition – a 10-principle approach to help them develop the criteria that are applicable to their sport. Sports bodies will also need to consider particular ethical, social, cultural and legal aspects that may be relevant in their context. The ten principles are: Inclusion, Prevention of harm, Non-discrimination, Fairness, No presumption of advantage, Evidence-based approach, Primacy of health and bodily autonomy, Stakeholder-centred approach, Right to privacy, Periodic reviews.
The IOC Consensus Statement: harassment and abuse (non-accidental violence) in sport, opens in a new tab, Mountjoy M, Brackenridge C, Arrington M, et al., British Journal of Sports Medicine, Volume 50(17), pp.1019-1029, (August 2016). All athletes have a right to engage in ‘safe sport’, defined as an athletic environment that is respectful, equitable and free from all forms of non-accidental violence to athletes. This Consensus Statement extends the 2007 IOC Consensus Statement on Sexual Harassment and Abuse in Sport, presenting additional evidence of several other types of harassment and abuse—psychological, physical and neglect. All ages and types of athletes are susceptible to these problems but science confirms that elite, disabled, child, and lesbian/gay/bisexual/trans-sexual (LGBT) athletes are at highest risk, that psychological abuse is at the core of all other forms and that athletes can also be perpetrators. Harassment and abuse arise from prejudices expressed through power differences. Perpetrators use a range of interpersonal mechanisms including contact, non-contact/verbal, cyber-based, negligence, bullying, and hazing. Attention is paid to the particular risks facing child athletes, athletes with a disability, and LGBT athletes. Impacts on the individual athlete and the organisation are discussed. Sport stakeholders are encouraged to consider the wider social parameters of these issues, including cultures of secrecy and deference that too often facilitate abuse, rather than focusing simply on psychopathological causes. A systematic multiagency approach to prevention is most effective, involving athletes, entourage members, sport managers, medical and therapeutic practitioners, educators, and criminal justice agencies.
2024 Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Survey: Play, Active Recreation and Sport Workforce, opens in a new tab, Angus and Associates for Sport New Zealand Ihi Aotearoa, (July 2024). The 2024 Diversity, Equity & Inclusion survey follows an earlier survey in 2020 and is designed to provide a current view of the makeup and experiences of people working (as paid employees or board members) in the play, active recreation and sport sector. For this report people who identify as members of rainbow communities are those who selected ‘Another gender’ for the Gender identity question, and/or selected ‘gay or lesbian’, or ‘bisexual’ or ‘other’ for the Sexual orientation question. Relative to New Zealand’s adult population as a whole, the workforce includes higher proportions of women and people who identify as part of rainbow communities. 8% of the sector’s workforce are people who identify as members of rainbow communities; 90% Heterosexual, 3% Gay or lesbian, 3% Bisexual, 1% Other, 2% Prefer not to say.
Compared with others, people who identify as members of rainbow communities are less likely to agree that ‘I can speak up without being punished or humiliated’, and ‘the organisation puts its commitment to DEI into practice’. They are more likely to have no trust in their organisation to handle integrity issues appropriately and effectively.
In the last 12 months, discrimination, harassment or bullying in the workplace has been experienced by 18% of people who identify as members of the rainbow community (vs 10% Total Sample) and observed by 33% (vs 20% Total Sample).
People who identify as members of rainbow communities are more likely to see barriers to career progression than other members of the workforce. The barriers that are felt most differently by this group include ‘poor salary/renumeration’, ‘bias’, and ‘poor leadership’
Feedback from survey respondents indicates that many organisations in the sector have no formal DE&I policy/strategy, or at least not one that is known to members of their board or staff. As a policy/strategy will guide and shape an organisation’s approach to DE&I, it is likely that further progress will be made if more organisations are encouraged and supported to develop their own DE&I policies/strategies and to share these with their teams.
Free to exist: Documenting participation data on LGBTIQA+ young people in sport and physical activity, opens in a new tab, Ryan Storr, Carleigh Yeomans, Kath Albury, et al., Swinburne University for VicHealth, (May 2024). The aim of this mixed-method research project was to collect participation data on LGBTIQA+ young people (aged 16-25) in sport and physical activity, whilst exploring the experiences, needs and engagement of LGBTIQA+ young people in sport and movement settings. In total, 20 young people aged 16-25 years participated in 5 focus groups, and 506 LGBTIQA+ young people participated in a quantitative survey. Quantitative and qualitative data paint a concerning picture of young LGBTIQA+ people’s participation in sport and physical activity, with lower rates of participation and engagement than the wider population and high rates of discrimination when they do engage. However, more promising, are the perspectives of young people who want to engage in sport and movement, and their motivation for sport and movement spaces to do more to be inclusive. Our data highlight the need for policy makers, sport managers, and physical activity providers to undertake targeted LGBTIQA+ diversity and inclusion work to ensure that LGBTIQA+ young people can access safe, inclusive, and equitable environments that are free from discrimination. Ongoing education, training, and development related to LGBTIQA+ inclusive practices are important to ensure sport environments are inclusive of LGBTIQA+ people. The consequences of not doing this work are far reaching and may have significant long-term impacts and consequences for LGBTIQA+ people, including trauma, and physical inactivity throughout their life course. Ensuring young LGBTIQA+ people have positive experiences through adolescence and youth is crucial to encourage lifelong participation and to develop positive relationships with physical activity; sports and physical activity providers must make authentic commitments to ensure that sport and movement spaces are safe and inclusive for LGBTIQA+ young people. Young people want to see authentic pride efforts that engage all sections of LGBTIQA+ communities, efforts which attempt to address ongoing discrimination and hostility towards LGBTIQA+ people. Key findings included: 53% of LGBTIQA+ young people have witnessed discrimination and 40% have experienced discrimination, mostly through verbal vilification.
The experiences of being discriminated against is higher for LGBTIQA+ youth living in rural areas (44%) compared to those living in metro areas (35%). However, belonging is greater on average for LGBTIQA+ young people living in rural areas compared to metro areas.
Participation rates in sport for young people are complex. The engagement rate of LGBTIQA+ youth participating in at least one competitive or social sport (one or both) is 54.2%. Data indicate that there has been a drop in sport participation in recent years and post COVID-19 pandemic; 47% of LGBTIQA+ youth were registered to a sports club in 2019, 2020, 2021, or 22, but currently only 37% play social sport and 33% play competitive sport. However, the rates of participation in competitive and/or social sport for ‘out’ respondents is comparatively lower (specifically, this group is comprised of 15% gay men, 15% lesbian women, 8% queer, and 9% bisexuals, and with the majority indicating a straight/heterosexual sexuality).
Participants discussed the negative impacts on their mental health, including ongoing debates and discussions of LGBTIQA+ people’s lives through the medium of sport (including trans athletes and pride games).
Holding up a mirror to cricket: A report by the Independent Commission for Equity in Cricket, opens in a new tab, (June 2023). The bulk of this report appears to be focused on racism, rather than other forms of discrimination. However, it does mention that Interpersonal discrimination. This form of discrimination can be directly experienced or witnessed in personal interactions. It is more likely to be overt and can manifest through, for example, name calling, jokes, stereotyping, exclusion or assumptions being made about a person based on their gender, skin colour, faith, sexual orientation, etc. It can vary in seriousness from microaggressions to harassment or verbal or physical abuse, which in some cases could meet a criminal threshold if proven. Exactly half (50%) of all respondents to our online survey reported some form of discrimination in the past five years. Among women and people from diverse minority groups, the figure was much higher. People of Pakistani/Bangladeshi heritage were by far the most likely to describe being discriminated against (87%), followed by people of Indian heritage (82%), Black people (75%), LGBTQ+ people (73%), disabled people (70%) and women (68%). By contrast, just 33% of Type K respondents (broadly speaking, the experience of White, middle-class men) reported being discriminated against.
PSI Practice Points: Data analysis from the PSI National Survey, Best practice for the inclusion of people of diverse genders and sexualities in Australian Sport, opens in a new tab, Pride in Sport, (2023). The annual Pride in Sport Equality Index (PSI) National Survey has been running for the past five years. Solid growth year on year has seen the survey go from 2 participating organisations/clubs and 14 responses in its first year to 27 and 1,043 responses in 2023. The PSI National Survey provides insight into the culture, beliefs, opinions, and differences between LGBTQ and non-LGBTQ respondents. All organisation who participated in the survey are working on LGBTQ inclusion. These results reflect the attitudes and knowledge of respondents who are in these organisations/clubs. These results likely differ from other surveys due to this positive focus on LGBTQ inclusion of these organisations/clubs. In 2023, 28.2% (n294) of respondents identify as being of diverse sexuality, diverse gender &/or trans experience or both (LGBTQ). 95.7% of respondents are identifying with binary identities (Man/Male or Woman/Female), and 3.8% with non-binary identities (‘non-binary’ or ‘a gender identity not listed’).
There was a decrease in the number of respondents who: believe they understand some of the unique challenges that people of diverse sexuality and/or gender face in the workplace/sports clubs (2023: 80.6% v 2022: 86.6%); believe that there are more than 2 genders (2023: 59.1% v 2022: 61.9%); and a slight decrease in belief that a person of diverse gender would be welcome in the team and treated no differently to anyone else (2023: 86.4% v 2022: 87.3%).
For people of diverse gender or sexuality, their rates of health and wellbeing are coming in lower than those who are not diverse. LGBTQ respondents are: 8.9% less likely to agree to feeling productive, 7.4% less likely to feel a sense of belonging, 5% less likely to feel engaged with the organisation, 4.1% less likely to feel mentally well or that they can be themselves.
15.4% of respondents agreed that they had witnessed mild behaviours (e.g., negative commentary, jokes and/or innuendo) within their organisation. More serious bullying was witnessed by 4.1% of respondents. Of the respondents of diverse sexuality that responded to these questions (n190), 12.1% advised that they had been the target of mild behaviours and over half (54.5%) did not report these behaviours to anyone. 2.9% (n5) have experienced more serious bullying and harassment. Of these 1 reported to Sports Integrity Australia and 2 to their state governing body, while the remaining 2 did not report to anyone.
Almost 25% of LGBTQ respondents have agreed to editing conversations or hiding who they are within their organisation.
Writing Themselves in, 4, opens in a new tab, Hill AO, Lyons A, Jones J, et al., Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society, La Trobe University, (2021). This is the fourth national study on the sexual health and well-being of same sex attracted young people in Australia. The series was expanded to include a survey targeting trans and gender diverse young people. With a total of 6,418 participants, 'Writing Themselves In 4' represents the largest ever survey of LGBTQA+ young people in Australia and one of the largest in the world. The sample of 'Writing Themselves In 4' is also diverse in terms of the gender and sexuality of participants. While over half were cisgender women, nearly a quarter were cisgender men, and a similar proportion were trans or non-binary. Participants were asked which sports they had played in the past 12 months (multiple responses were permitted): 62.2% of respondents had participated in some sport. The most popular sports were swimming, dancing, netball, soccer, cycling, and basketball. Only 28.8% of those who played sports had disclosed to teammates.
Of those who had disclosed to their teammates, 69.8% (n = 139) attending university reported feeling supported about their sexuality or gender identity by their teammates, compared to 69.4% (n = 25) of those attending TAFE. This figure was lower among secondary students, with 61.2% (n = 316) reporting feeling supported by teammates.
Among participants who reported experiencing harassment or assault based on their sexuality or gender identity at sport in the past 12 months (n = 95), almost two-thirds (64.2%; n = 61) reported the perpetrator was a player/s from their team, one-half (51.6%; n = 49) player from another team, one fifth spectator/s (21.1%; n = 20), and 16.8% (n = 16) coach/es.
LGBT+ Inclusion in Football in Victoria, opens in a new tab, Proud2Play for Football Victoria and VicHealth, (March 2020). Previous research shows that sport is an environment where LGBT+ people typically do not feel safe to participate. Homophobia, transphobia and other discriminatory behaviours have been found to be commonplace across many sports. How LGBT+ inclusion (or these discriminatory behaviours) appear in the sport of football, particularly within community-level football, has previously been unknown. The key findings from this research include: Discrimination and prejudice towards LGBT+ people involved in football is common, and this has a negative impact on their experiences within sport and their continued involvement over the course of their lives. 75% of LGBT+ and 50% of heterosexual people have witnessed or experienced homophobia or discrimination based on sexuality or gender identity. While 70% of people feel that transgender or gender diverse people would be welcome in their club, around half of all people held a neutral opinion or disagreed with transgender or gender diverse people playing based on their gender identity. Homophobia manifests overtly through behaviours such as discriminatory language use, while transphobia manifests less visibly through attitudes. Despite homophobic behaviour being commonplace in football in Victoria, most people believe a player coming out as LGBT+ would have a positive impact on the game and would be very comfortable if their favourite player did. There is an attitude that LGBT+ inclusion is neither a problem nor a priority in football. There is a distinct lack of education and knowledge about LGBT+ inclusion. Most people think more should be done to support LGBT+ inclusion.
The main recommendations from this research include: Acknowledge that there is an issue of LGBT+ inclusion within football in Victoria. Receive commitment from the FV leadership team to proactively pursue the recommendations from this research. Develop a short- and long-term LGBT+ inclusion strategy to guide future work at FV in this space. Incorporation of this strategy into the FV Strategic Plan. Embedding LGBT+ inclusion work into the job responsibility of a staff member, or multiple staff members. Maintaining a steering group for LGBT+ inclusion work in football in Victoria.
Game to Play? Exploring the experiences and attitudes towards sport, exercise and physical activity amongst same sex attracted and gender diverse young people, opens in a new tab, Dr Ryan Storr, Kerry Robinson, Cristyn Davies, et al., Sexualities and Gender Research, Western Sydney University, (2020). Young SSAGD people in this research expressed a strong desire to participate in sport and physical exercise, and an awareness of the benefits, however most had experienced numerous forms of discrimination in sport and exercise, especially in PE at school. It is critical that steps are taken to address the violence and discrimination that SSAGD young people experience in sport and exercise environments, including tackling homophobia, biphobia, transphobia and heterosexism.
LGBTI+ Inclusion within Victorian Sport: A Market Analysis, opens in a new tab, Ruth Jeanes, Erik Denison, Nadia Bevan, et al., Monash University for VicHealth, (2020). In 2019, VicHealth commissioned researchers within the Faculty of Education at Monash University to conduct a market analysis examining the work that has been undertaken to date, and current activities in the state of Victoria, Australia, focused on promoting LGBTI+ engagement and participation in sport. This document provides an overview of the programs, interventions, reports and education undertaken in the sport and LGBTI+ inclusion space across the last 20 years. Furthermore, the report details some of the findings of key academic literature and evaluation reports examining the impact of LGBTI+ sporting initiatives delivered in Australia and overseas. In particular, it details contemporary knowledge regarding approaches to LGBTI+ inclusion and perceived impact of interventions.
Inclusive Sport Practices, opens in a new tab, Murray Drummond, Sam Elliott, Claire Drummond, et al., Flinders University, Sport, Health, Activity, Performance and Exercise (SHAPE) Research Centre for Inclusive Sport South Australia (SA) and the Office for Recreation, Sport and Racing, (May 2019). This is the first South Australian report to identify barriers and enablers in sport for the LGBTIQ+ community. The findings and recommendations will help to advance a holistic approach for reducing homophobia and ‘homohysteria’ within sporting environments. Furthermore, the report provides contextually-informed evidence for creating, maintaining and enhancing inclusive sport environments for LGBTIQ+ participants and allies based on extensive research.
The relevance of sexual orientation and gender identity in sport in Europe. Findings from the Outsport survey, opens in a new tab, Menzel, T., Braumüller, B., Hartmann-Tews, I. German Sport University Cologne, Institute of Sociology and Gender Studies, (2019). The experiences of LGBTI* people in sport are very diverse, possibly as diverse as the field of sport itself with its manifold forms, settings and contexts. This is demonstrated by the experiences of the (approx.) 5,500 LGBTI* people who participated in the OUTSPORT Survey 2018. The following findings illustrate that the vast majority of respondents perceive homo-/transphobia to be a problem in sport and transphobia is perceived to be an especially prominent problem in sport. Some other key findings included: 7 out of 10 respondents suppose the coming out of famous sports stars and high profile and antihomophobia/ transphobia campaigns to be helpful to tackle homo-/transphobic discrimination.
82% have witnessed homo-/ transphobic language in sport in the last 12 months.
33% remain completely closeted in their sports context.
20% refrain from participating in a sport of interest due to their sexual orientation and/or gender identity.
16% report at least one negative personal experience in a sports context related to their sexual orientation and/or gender identity.
Of those with negative experiences: 82% Verbal insults, slurs 75% structural discrimination 36% physically crossing the line 20% physical violence.
Most common perpetrators: 53% other sport participants 49% team members.
5% of (previously active) respondents quit their sports participation because they have had negative personal experiences due to their sexual orientation and/or gender identity.
53% do not react to incidents of homo-/ transphobic discrimination.
8% officially report those incidents.
38% do not know an organisation or individual to contact in instances of being discriminated against in a sports context.
Issues Paper - National Guidelines: Trans and intersex inclusion in sport, opens in a new tab, Australian Human Rights Commission, (21 June 2018). This issues paper was released by the AHRC to help guide the consultation process with stakeholders in relation to the development of guidelines for trans and gender diverse inclusion in sport. It provides participants with: an overview of the Act, including the exemption provisions, and information regarding common barriers to inclusion faced by trans and intersex athletes.
Exploring Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Inclusion in Australian Cricket, opens in a new tab, Ryan Storr, Grant O’Sullivan, Caroline Symons, et al., Victoria University prepared for Cricket Australia and Cricket Victoria, (August 2017). Cricket Australia and Cricket Victoria commissioned the Institute of Sport, Exercise and Active Living (ISEAL) at Victoria University to examine the current climate, attitudes and initiatives towards LGBT inclusion within Australian cricket. The findings demonstrate both challenges and opportunities with regard to LGBT inclusion in Australian cricket. The survey data show the prevalence of homophobia, biphobia and transphobia, and how homophobia also impacts heterosexual participants. Key findings from the survey include: Three-quarters of non-LGBT and well over three-quarters of LGBT respondents believe that cricket should do more to be inclusive of LGBT people;
Almost half of non-LGBT and almost three-quarters of LGBT respondents have witnessed homophobia in cricket at some time or another;
Over 90 percent of both LGBT and non-LGBT respondents think LGBT people are accepted to some degree in various roles in cricket. Non-LGBT respondents reported staff as the most completely accepted role, while LGBT respondents selected players. The role least selected as completely accepted was the coach by both LGBT and non-LGBT respondents;
Respondents think cricket clubs are more welcoming of lesbian/bisexual women than of gay/bisexual men and transgender/gender diverse people.
Respondents believe LGBT people are more completely accepted as volunteers and players and less so in leadership or coaching roles in cricket clubs.
The majority of respondents are unaware of policies for either sexual orientation or gender identify. Respondents are more aware of policies at higher levels of competition than lower level and that people were the least aware of club policies.
The majority of respondents are unaware of LGBT inclusion policies at any level of competition. At most levels, respondents are most aware of inclusion policies for LGB people and least for same-sex parents, except for the club level where more are aware of policies of inclusion for same-sex parents.
Homophobia in Sport, opens in a new tab, Government of the United Kingdom; Culture, Media and Sport Committee of Parliament report (2017). According to government estimates, approximately 6% of the UK population is gay, and yet homophobia in sport remains a serious issue. Research findings on the problem of homophobia in sport in the UK are broadly in line with the international consensus, with 84% of participants reporting hearing homophobic jokes and humour within sport and 49% of UK participants believing that, within sporting environments, homophobia is most likely to occur by spectators. These findings were underpinned by a recent BBC programme where it was reported that 8% of football fans surveyed would stop watching their team if they signed an openly gay player. Additionally, a recent survey reported that 72% of football fans have heard homophobic abuse, and this problem is not confined to football alone. The Committee acknowledges there are also very serious issues in relation to transgender people in sport and the problems they face. However, there are significant differences between the issues of transgender and homophobia in sport. Because of continuing concerns, the Committee held a short inquiry into homophobia in sport. The Committee concluded that despite the significant change in society’s attitudes to homosexuality in the last 30 years, there is little reflection of this social progress in football, particularly in terms of LGB visibility; indeed, it is often LGB supporters who provide the only LGB visibility at football stadia. It is also clear that the use of homophobic epithets and terms has a wide-ranging and damaging affect. The Committee considers it very disappointing that a significant percentage of people use offensive anti-LGB language and think it is harmless. Offensive behaviour toward LGB persons should be treated in the same way as other offensive language, whether racist, sexist, or denigrating any other group.  Summary of Conclusions and Recommendations , opens in a new tab .
Study on gender-based violence in sport: Final Report, opens in a new tab, Mergaert L, Arnaut C, Vertommen T, et al., European Commission, Directorate for Education and Culture, (2016). This study provides an overview of legal and policy frameworks; describes initiatives promoted by sport and civil society organisations; identifies best practice in combatting gender-based violence in sport; and makes recommendations for future action. To establish a common understanding and to delimit the scope of the study, the definition of gender-based violence used was: “violence directed against a person because of that person's gender (including gender identity or expression) or violence that affects persons of a particular gender disproportionately”. Several forms of gender-based violence in sport were considered: verbal, non-verbal, physical abuse and sexual harassment. These forms are not mutually exclusive, but overlap. This study explicitly included violence against LGBTQ persons, and considered both male and female victims as well as perpetrators. Main findings from this study include: (1) The main focus of policies has been on prevention and protection actions. Other topics, such as assessment of any gender-based violence, measures to prosecute violence, and support programs for victims have received less attention. (2) The legal provisions in place across EU Member States use different terminology and vary greatly; there remains a general lack of clarity in legal contexts in relation to what a ‘sexual act’ entails. (3) Less than half of the EU Member States make explicit reference to forms of gender-based violence in sport in their policy frameworks. Policy implementation (in many cases) is neither mandatory, nor followed up. (4) Initiatives taken by the International Olympic Committee and the International Paralympic Committee are important because of their visibility and influence on national committees to comply. (5) Reliable data on gender-based violence is missing across the EU, and the problem may be underestimated; there is also a lack of research in this area. (6) Most of the identified prevention approaches target sports organisations and coaches. Efforts and resources to ensure a continuous implementation of activities and/or dissemination of materials appear to be scarce. Initiatives are generally not given enough visibility and are not easily accessible. The effectiveness of practices is rarely monitored or evaluated. (7) The concept of gender-based violence in sport brings together several concerns that tend to be addressed separately (rather than under a unified policy), such as: ethics; child protection; safe sport environments; and athletes’ welfare.
Sport, Physical Activity and LGBT, opens in a new tab, Louise Englefield, Di Cunningham, Ali Mahoney, Pride in Sports for Sport England, (2016). In January 2016 Pride Sports was commissioned by Sport England to undertake a 10-week study examining the participation of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people in sport. The focus of the study was to review the existing research and reports into issues affecting LGBT participation in sport and physical activity and to evidence the impact of projects that are successfully addressing issues and delivering increased opportunities in sport. The study gave particular consideration to how provision, which has successfully engaged LGBT people, is also working to reduce physical inactivity and to engage those not previously participating in sport. This report summarises the work undertaken and makes recommendations to Sport England.
Out on the Fields: The first international study on homophobia in sport, opens in a new tab, Denison E, Moseley L and Kitchen A, Repucom, (10 May 2015). This study provides insight into the experiences of LGB athletes, but it also looks at the experiences of LGB people generally, their experiences as participants and as spectators. The study takes a particular focus on issues of sexuality, rather than gender, which is why the report uses the term LGB, rather than the now standard LGBTI. The study goes beyond capturing the experiences and views of LGB people, as it also includes the experiences and perspectives of nearly 2500 heterosexual participants who make up about 25% of the sample. By including people with a wide range of sexualities, this study provides an opportunity to compare attitudes between these sexualities. The survey included six main countries (USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom and Ireland) and a collective sample from several other countries. The Australian portion of the survey included 3006 participants. Key findings include: 54% of gay men felt unwelcome in sport, saying they are ‘not at all accepted’ or ‘accepted a little’; 36% of lesbians felt the same way.
27% of gay men said they did not participate in youth team sports.
84% of all survey respondents said homophobic jokes occur ‘all the time, often, or sometimes’ in a sporting environment.
62% of all survey respondents, and 73% of gay respondents, believed homophobia is more common in team sports than in other environments.
81% of gay men and 74% of lesbian women under the age of 22 had reported concealing, or only partially revealing, their sexual identity while playing sport. Approximately half of gays and a third of lesbians said they hid their sexuality because they were worried about being rejected by teammates; 31% of gays and 15% of lesbians were also worried about discrimination from coaches and officials.
80% of all respondents said they have witnessed or experienced homophobia in sport. Young LGB persons (under the age of 22) were more likely to report personal experiences of homophobia.
Language was the most common form witnessed by all participants, 80% of straight people who have witnessed homophobia have witnessed slurs such as ‘faggot’ and ‘dyke’
While it is important to understand which kinds of homophobia and discrimination people personally experienced, participants, particularly straight people, were more likely to have witnessed others being targeted. One in four (26%) LGB people have witnessed others being bullied over a period of time
Gay and bisexual men were more likely to be physically assaulted themselves than witness others being attacked, however, nearly 15% said they saw others being assaulted due to their sexuality
Summary for Australia on Homophobia in Sport, opens in a new tab, (2015). Out on the Fields is the first international study and largest conducted on homophobia in sport. Nearly 9500 people took part including 3006 lesbian, gay, bisexual and straight Australians. Australia ranked in the middle on many measures, though quite poorly on some key measures such as whether gay athletes feel they are welcome in sport and feel safe to be open about their sexuality. Australia had the highest number of gay men (13%) who felt they were “not accepted at all” in sporting culture which was nearly three times as high as Canada (5%).
Australia also had the second highest number (87%) of young gay athletes who remain in the closet (after New Zealand) and the highest number of gay youth who stay in the closet because of a fear of bullying (55%) and discrimination from coaches and officials (37%).
Spectator stands were a major concern to Australians, with nearly half of all participants saying this is where homophobia in sport is most likely to occur. This was the second highest number after the UK (49%).
The vast majority of Australian (75%) participants also felt LGB people are not very safe as spectators at sporting events, though they were less likely to believe this than those in the UK (85%).
Inclusive Sport Survey: The Sport Experiences of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex People in the Australian Capital Territory, opens in a new tab, Australian Capital Territory Government, Sport and Recreation Services (April 2014). This survey looked at attitudes and behaviours among the ACT’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex community groups and territory sporting associations. The main themes to emerge from participants’ best sporting experiences include a feeling of achievement, being part of a team or community, being accepted and welcomed, experiencing health benefits, having the opportunity to travel and broaden life experiences, having fun and friendship, gaining confidence and providing a positive contribution. Most people responding to the survey were ‘not out’ regarding their sexuality and/or being transgender. Key findings were that about 41% of respondents have felt unsafe in a sporting environment; 34% had experienced sexism in sport with women experiencing the most sexism, followed by transgender people and men; 32% had experienced verbal homophobia or bullying in a sporting environment, but only 3.6% had experienced homophobic assault.
“The Equal Play Study”: The Impact of Homophobic Bullying during Sport and Physical Education Participation on Same-SexAttracted and Gender-Diverse Young Australians’ Depression and Anxiety Levels, opens in a new tab, Caroline Symons, Grant O’Sullivan, Erika Borkoles, et al., Victoria University for the beyondblue Victorian Centre of Excellence, (March 2014). Same-sex attracted and gender diverse (SSAGD) youth who may or may not be open about their sexuality or gender identity, have reported significantly higher mental health and wellbeing concerns than heterosexual youth. Despite many SSAGD youth thriving in sport and physical education (PE) settings, homophobia and transphobia communicates to them that ‘they are not welcome here, which can prevent them from enjoying the many physical, mental and social health benefits of participation and to maintain lifelong participation. PE class was a particular concern for SSAGD youth, where verbal and physical abuse was reported more often than in other sport settings. Policy and curriculum writers, PE teachers and those who train PE teachers are well placed to provide a more inclusive educational environment for SSAGD youth. Casual homophobic language, such as ‘that’s so gay’ where the intention of the word ‘gay’ is not specifically a gay slur, was frequently reported in these settings, especially in PE. Many young SSAGD people found it distressing. Challenging such homophobic language is important for improving the sport and PE experiences of SSAGD youth and helps them to be accepted by their peers. The gendered nature of sport and PE provides challenges for gender diverse young people, and more focus should be placed on understanding their needs and on ways to encourage safer and more welcoming participation for this group
Growing up queer: issues facing young Australians who are gender variant and sexuality diverse, opens in a new tab, Robinson K, Bansel P, Denson N, et al., Young and Well Cooperative Research Centre, (2014). Growing up queer investigates the issues facing young Australians who are gender variant and sexuality diverse. More than 1000 young Australians aged between 16–27 years participated in a research study. Participants experienced homophobic and transphobic harassment and violence across different aspects of their lives – in schools, from families, in the workplace, on the streets, and at other public sites and sporting events, with almost two-thirds reporting homophobic or transphobic harassment or violence across different aspects of their lives. From the information acquired, the researchers hope to develop innovative, relevant and engaging educational resources that would contribute to increasing professional and community awareness of their experiences and needs.
Discrimination of sexual and gender minorities in sports and exercise, opens in a new tab, Kokkonen M, National Sports Council, Finland, (2014). This report is a summary of a study published in Finland and funded by a grant awarded by the Ministry of Education and Culture. Its starting point was concern about whether lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender identity (LGBTI) children, young people and adults have equal opportunities to adopt a physically active lifestyle. This study reports that more than one-third of LGBTI respondents were engaged in competitive sports and more than half in recreational sports. A detailed breakdown of survey results is provided.
Gender Diversity in the ACT: a survey of trans experiences, opens in a new tab, David F, Hyndal L, Hyndal P, et al., A Gender Agenda and Pink Tennis (2011). This report provides the results of a community-based survey of sex and gender diverse (SGD) members of the Canberra community and the issues they face. The vast majority of respondents felt that an integral part of their gender identity included a ‘trans’ notion of having ‘crossed over’ or existing ‘in between’ or ‘outside’ the binary notion of either male or female. Only a small number of respondents self-identified solely as either male or female. On the issue of social interactions, the majority (77% of survey respondents) indicated that they had no social interactions with teammates in sporting or other social activities. This indicates a significantly lower level of social engagement than that enjoyed by the general population.
Come out to play: the Sports experiences of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) people in Victoria, opens in a new tab, Symons C, Sbaraglia M, Hillier L, et al., Victoria University, (2010). This report is based on a survey of over 300 persons who identified themselves as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transsexual (LGBT). It is the first comprehensive survey of the LGBT sport experience in Australia and provides rich insight through closed and open ended responses into the sporting lives, passions, rewards, and challenges of these sports participants, supporters, volunteers, and workers. Insights gained from the analysis of data include the following: Sport participation and physical education at school – Participants were asked to retrospectively explain their experiences of sport and physical education while at school. There was a marked gender difference in the quality of their experiences, with more men than women reporting negative experiences from discrimination and homophobia. Although sexism in sport is commonly associated with damaging outcomes to women, the women participating in this study had more success in sport than the men, and this was a critical factor in shaping attitudes.
Sport participation – Participants were involved in a variety of sports and physical activities; only small numbers had no involvement in sport. Involvement in team sports was more likely for women (63.3%) than men (44.7%). Participants had a high involvement in club sports (84%), but only about a third (33.5%) were identified within the club as LGBT; 46% kept their sexual identity a secret, and 20.5% were known to some (but not all) members of the club. Sixteen percent of the survey participants indicated they belonged to clubs that identified with gay or lesbian members. Women in this survey were discouraged from playing team sports by being called lesbians, insulted, and told they could not play. This had the effect of removing the lesbians and therefore maintaining a heterosexual team. Where women played traditionally ‘masculine’ team sports (such as rugby), whole teams of players were perceived as lesbian and were often subjected to verbal abuse regardless of the individual participants’ sexual identity.
Men had their gender and heterosexuality called into question when they played badly or in an attempt to spur them on to a better performance. This produced feelings such as shame and hurt and was often the reason for dropping out of team sports. Gay men were significantly less likely to play team sport than lesbian women (45% versus 62% respectively) because the abuse among men could be serious (i.e. physical abuse as well as verbal abuse).
Gender perceptions in sport – Gender and sexuality are very strong organising features in society, but deviation from the norm (i.e. heterosexuality) is generally discouraged in sport, particularly in team sports.
Sporting cultures – Participants in this study who did not disclose their sexuality described the sporting environment as being unsafe, unpredictable, isolating, and intimidating. More male participants than females said they kept their sexuality secret (i.e. ‘in the closet’) especially within team sports.
Writing Themselves in 3, opens in a new tab, Hillier L, Jones T, Monagle M, Overton N, Gahan L, Blackman J and Mitchell A, Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society, La Trobe University, (2010). This is the third national study on the sexual health and well-being of same sex attracted young people in Australia. This research suggests that the biggest issue is the ongoing and persistent damage done by homophobia in the lives of same sex attracted and gender questioning (SSAGQ) young people. Several recommendations were made that involve the sporting environment: (1) public safety—SSAGQ young people continue to experience high levels of homophobic violence and abuse not just at school but also on the street, in sport and at public and private events. Police programs which liaise with the gay community and seek to make reporting easier should be protected and expanded, and: (2) education—schools should have a specific policy on homophobic bullying which offers well-publicised protection to SSAGQ students.
Trans women’s experiences participating in sport, opens in a new tab, Lauryn Stewart, Paul O’Halloran, Jennifer Oates, Sport in Society, (5 August 2025). The 20 Australian transwomen who participated in this study provided the researchers with rich data indicating that sport can play an important role in the lives of many trans women, offering opportunities for improved physical health, reduced social isolation, and personal identity expression. However, participation in sport can also present significant challenges, including experiences of feeling unsafe and a lack of inclusivity. Given the potential impacts on mental health and the barriers to engagement, there is a pressing need for sporting bodies to implement more inclusive strategies, such as clear participation guidelines, trans-friendly spaces, and supportive team environments, to create equitable opportunities for all individuals.
Participation, barriers, facilitators and bullying experiences of trans people in sport and fitness: findings from a national community survey of trans people in Australia, opens in a new tab, Sasha Bailey, Benjamin Trevitt, Sav Zwickl, et al., British Journal of Sports Medicine, (28 October 2024). A cross-sectional online survey open to trans people aged ≥16 years living in Australia was conducted between February and April 2023 and it assessed rates of sport/fitness participation, barriers to participation and bullying experiences through multiple-choice questions. Mental health measures comprised the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10) and self-reported history of self-harm and suicidality. Of 664 respondents (median age 32 years), around one-third (32.8%) regularly participated in sport/fitness. Common internal barriers to participation included anxiety about others’ reactions (63.9%), body dissatisfaction/dysphoria (56.5%) and fears about feeling accepted/affirmed by others (54.7%). Respondents commonly reported experiencing inadequate bathroom/changing facilities (44.4%), exclusionary rules and regulations surrounding gender (36.7%), and invasive or uncomfortable policies or procedures (23.3%). Over one-third (34.4%) of trans people had experienced gender-based bullying or exclusion. Regular sport/fitness participation was associated with significantly lower K10 scores and a 40% reduction in odds of recent thoughts of self-harm and suicide.
Societal discrimination and mental health among transgender athletes: a systematic review and Meta-analysis, opens in a new tab, Alex Siu Wing Chan, Alston Choong, Kean Chang Phang, et al., BMC Psychology, Volume 12, Article 24, (January 2024). This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to examine the experiences of transgender athletes in sports, focusing on mental health issues and factors contributing to inequality among transgender and other sexual minorities. The meta-analysis of the 12 studies included in this review revealed that transgender athletes faced social discrimination and inequality in sports participation, resulting in mental health problems and higher rates of suicide. From a cohort of 21,565 participants in the studies, 7152 (33%) were subjected to discrimination in sports participation and healthcare, with a rate of 0.61. However, transgender athletes who felt welcomed and embraced by their respective teams accounted for 0.39. These results indicated significant differences between how transgender athletes are treated in healthcare settings and when participating in sports. The study findings underscore the need for policies, cultural research, and interventions to address discrimination and inequality faced by transgender athletes in sports participation. Promoting equality and safeguarding the rights of transgender athletes can mitigate the risk of mental health problems and increase physical activity among sexual minorities.
‘Close, but not always close enough to come out to': a large-scale online qualitative study of interpersonal relationships experienced by LGBTQ + individuals in sport, opens in a new tab, Shannon Herrick, Alexandra Moisan, Lindsay Duncan, Sport, Education and Society, (16 February 2023). Despite concerted efforts, LGBTQ + inclusivity is not fostered across all sporting contexts. Interpersonal relationships with teammates and coaches are particularly significant when it comes to cultivating positive and inclusive LGBTQ + experiences within sport. Using online qualitative data collected from 741 LGBTQ + adults, this study examined how relationships with coaches, teammates and sport-related staff impacted sport experiences and participation. Participant responses were independently coded using reflexive thematic analysis. Data were used to develop a new visual model to understand different types of relationships LGBTQ + individuals experience in sport and how this impacted their sport experiences. Exclusive sport relationships were characterised by experiences of discrimination and were found to greatly influence how participants viewed sport and physical activity contexts as adults. Inert or neutral sport relationships were maintained through protective self-distancing techniques. Inclusive relationships with coaches and teammates were primarily based on acceptance and associated with viewing physical activity positively. Identity-concealment strategies and athletic ability were identified as factors that impacted LGBTQ + adults’ relationships within sport. Our overall findings demonstrate how discrimination in the form of overt or subtle sexual and gender prejudice can thwart feelings of relatedness among LGBTQ + athletes.
Reviewing evidence of LGBTQ+ discrimination and exclusion in sport, opens in a new tab, Erik Denison, Nadia Bevan, Ruth Jeanes, Sport Management Review, Volume 24(3), pp.389-409, (June 2021). Sport organisations continue to place a low priority on addressing the exclusion and discrimination experienced by LGBTQ+ people (lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, questioning/queer, and sexual/gender diverse). It was previously thought this was due to a lack of quantitative evidence of a problem; however, over the past decade, a large body of quantitative research has been conducted, including two international studies, providing strong evidence that discriminatory behaviour remains common in sport and is harmful to this population. In this paper, the authors summarise existing quantitative evidence and consider why sport organisations continue to be slow to address LGBTQ+ exclusion. They argue sport management scholars are in a unique and privileged position to address current resistance to action and drive change through conducting research aimed at identifying pragmatic, practical approaches to end harmful discriminatory behaviours. Finally, the authors describe why such research has the potential to mitigate harm while also advancing the discipline in ways described as being needed by leading scholars. Studies conducted by researchers in a wide-range of sport settings now provide evidence that LGBTQ+ people regularly experience discrimination and exclusion in sport. Menzel et al. reported 82% of participants had witnessed homophobic or transphobic language in sport in the last six months and 90% considered homophobia and transphobia to be a current problem in sport settings. Trans women (46.2%) were the most likely to report they had been the victim of direct discrimination in the last year.
A recent secondary analysis of the data from their study found young LGB participants who came out to their teammates were significantly more likely to report they had been the target of homophobic abuse than those who remained in the closet.
Their conclusions are supported by a recent position statement from the American Medical Society for Sports Medicine which described good and consistent evidence supporting the need to address LGBTQ+ discrimination and exclusion in sport due to the detriment it causes to the mental and physical health of this population.
The Relationship Between ‘Coming Out’ as Lesbian, Gay, or Bisexual and Experiences of Homophobic Behaviour in Youth Team Sports, opens in a new tab, Erik Denison, Ruth Jeanes, Nick Faulkner, et al., Sexuality Research and Social Policy, Volume 18, pp.765–773, (2021).This study used a sample (N = 1173; 15–21 years; collected in 2014–2015) from six countries (United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland) to examine whether LGB youth who ‘come out’ to teammates experience homophobic behaviour. Close to half of the sample (41.6%) reported having been the target of homophobic behaviour (e.g. verbal slurs, bullying, assaults). Multivariate logistic regression models adjusting for age, gender, country and contact sport participation found that participants who ‘came out’ as being LGB to sports teammates were significantly more likely to report being a target of homophobic behaviour. There appeared to be a dose response with coming out to more people associated with a greater likelihood of experiencing homophobic behaviour.
Physical Activity and Sport in Trans Persons Before and After Gender Disclosure: Prevalence, Frequency, and Type of Activities, opens in a new tab, Elena López-Cañada, José Devís-Devís, Alexandra Valencia-Peris, et al., Journal of Physical Activity and Health, Volume 17(6), pp.650-656, (May 2020). A face-to-face survey was administered to 212 Spanish trans persons, aged from 10 to 62 years old. McNemar and chi-square tests were used to determine significant differences. About 75.5% of the trans persons in this study engaged in PAS and more than 50% did so ≥3 times/week, which is similar as in the general Spanish population. Participation was higher in trans men (78.7%) than trans women (72%). However, GD emerges as a key issue in characterizing trans persons’ PAS participation. A group of 14.5% of them stopped activity after GD. Participation in nonorganized PAS was higher than in organized PAS, and this difference is greater after GD because most participants gave up organized PAS in favor of nonorganized PAS. Trans persons preferred individual sports and activities than team sports before and after GD, and the top 3 activities were jogging, walking, and bodybuilding. Trans men participation was higher than trans women in team PAS, whereas individual PAS were equally practiced before and after GD. Participation in football, swimming, basketball, dancing, and volleyball declined after GD, whereas bodybuilding increased in trans men. The results show that the high involvement of trans persons coincides with strategies used to hide or conceal their gender identities when participating in PAS. A decrease in PAS participation is observed after GD probably because it is an acute potential period of anxiety, discrimination, and victimization caused by trans persons’ body exposure.
Experiences of identity development and sexual stigma for lesbian, gay, and bisexual young people in sport: ‘Just survive until you can be who you are’, opens in a new tab, Lisa Petty, Dawn Trussell, Qualitative Research in Sport, Exercise and Health, Volume 10(2), pp.176-189, (2018). This interpretive study sought to critically examine how the coming-out process for young people who identify as lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) shaped their sport engagement. Using an evocative inquiry framework and stories as a form of knowledge and representation, the perspectives of nine participants from Canada and the United States were examined. Emphasis is placed on how sexual stigma shaped their sport involvement and meanings, the emotionality of their experiences, and the social relationships therein. The findings call attention to the complicated connection that LGB young people have with sport as they develop their sexual identities through the coming-out process while experiencing sexual stigma.
The impacts of discriminatory experiences on lesbian, gay and bisexual people in sport, opens in a new tab, Caroline Symons, Grant O’Sullivan, Remco Polman, Annals of Leisure Research, Volume 20(4), pp.467-489, (2017). This study examines the nature and impact of sexist and homophobic discrimination experienced by lesbians, gays and bisexuals (LGB) in Australian sporting settings. A mixed methods online survey was utilized to collate participant experiences. The findings suggest that, in sport, participants experienced sexism directly and systemically, and homophobia explicitly and implicitly. Women experienced sexism and homophobia, whilst men reported more homophobic events. The most mentioned impacts of discrimination were negative emotions such as sadness, anger, distress and shame, followed by negative engagement with sport such as disliking sport, or avoiding or leaving sport. The well-recognized benefits of sport such as physical and mental well-being, social connections, enjoyment, positive identity and achievement may be more difficult to realize within this context of significant social stress.
Varying degrees of support: Understanding parents’ positive attitudes toward LGBT coaches, opens in a new tab, Cunningham G and Melton E, Journal of Sport Management, Volume 28(4), pp.387-398, (2014). This study examined parents’ supportive attitudes toward lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) coaches, as well as the sources of that support. Interviews were conducted with 10 parents who lived in the southwest United States. Analysis of the data revealed three different types of support: indifference, qualified support, and unequivocal support. In each of these examples, participants express support for LGBT coaches, but they did so in ways that were qualified and served to perpetuate underlying stereotypes about sexual minorities, including those that sexual minorities have ulterior motives, promote their sexual orientation to others, and are sexual predators. These stereotypes persist even though most heterosexual American adults acknowledge that the claims are baseless. It is also interesting that such conditional statements are seldom included when discussing heterosexual coaches or coaches in general (assumed to be heterosexual). By expressing support for LGBT coaches the parents absolve themselves of expressing prejudicial attitudes. That is, they communicate support for sexual minorities and therefore cast themselves as egalitarian, accepting individuals. By offering qualified support, the parents in this study discriminate in very subtle ways that can otherwise be explained away. Their conditional statements are largely institutionalised as a form of heterosexism and thus part of the societal norm.
Gendered homophobia in sport and coaching: Understanding the everyday experiences of lesbian coaches, opens in a new tab, Norman L, International Review for the Sociology of Sport, Volume 47(6), pp.705-723, (2012). This article discusses a theory of everyday gendered homophobia as a way of understanding lesbian coaches’ experiences in their profession. Ten professional women coaches who identified themselves as lesbian, from both individual and team sports within the UK, were interviewed.
SBS Sport Inclusion 2024: June Pride Month, opens in a new tab, SBS Sport, (June 2024). SBS Sport has partnered with Pride in Sport Australia to showcase some of Australia's most amazing LGBTQ athletes, from a range of sporting codes. The four-part video series celebrates LGBTQ athletes and highlights the importance of LGBTQ inclusion in sport. Episode 1: The Beginning - We hear about how they began their sporting journey and the various challenges and inspirations that encouraged them to achieve their sporting goals.
Episode 2: The Choice - The series explores the circumstances around peoples’ decisions or otherwise to come out publicly. We hear about the athlete’s journeys, sharing moments of feeling, the power of inclusion and why it’s important to be included.
Episode 3: The Challenge - We explore the challenges LGBTQ+ athletes still face and what we can do moving forward, through the power of inclusion.
Episode 4: The Future - We hear about the important role that allies play in making sport more inclusive and welcoming for everyone.
Equal the Contest, opens in a new tab [documentary film], Umbrella Entertainment, (2024). When a 42 year old, non-binary filmmaker joins a new local women’s footy club in Regional Victoria a simple desire to play becomes a complex journey of inclusion and belonging. An unexpected turn means the team has to fight to play. Their campaign challenges age old sporting traditions and joins the wider movement for gender equity.
AIS Pride Month Discussion Panel, Gracie Elvin, Former Professional Cyclist and AIS Thrive with Pride Ambassador; Christine Granger, CEO, Proud 2 Play; Tom Winter, Relationship Manager, Pride in Sport, Australian Sports Commission, (22 June 2022). Hear from sports leading the charge, the latest insights from across the sector and exciting initiatives set to launch. Hosted by Jayde de Bondt, AIS Community Engagement Manager and Co Chair, Victorian LGBTIQ+ Taskforce, and featuring an exciting panel including Proud2Play CEO Christine Granger, Pride in Sport Relationship Manager Tom Winter and former professional cyclist and AIS Thrive with Pride ambassador Gracie Elvin.
Why Homophobia in Sports Campaigns Fail | The Science of Norms and Attitudes, opens in a new tab, MindfulThinks, YouTube, (3 December 2020). This video was made in collaboration with researchers from Monash University and the University of British Columbia. We will be covering topics surrounding homophobic language in sports and how changing social norms can help make the LGBTQ community feel more welcome.
Social Norms and Prejudiced Language in Sports The Disconnect of Actions and Beliefs, opens in a new tab, Sport Inclusion Project, YouTube, (2 November 2020). In this video we'll be looking at how homophobic and prejudiced language leads to decreased participation and feelings of acceptance in sports in the LGBT community, and how changing our social norms can help fix this problem.
Well Played, opens in a new tab, Twenty10 inc GLCS NSW, Vimeo, (2020). A short film highlighting the importance of diversity and inclusion in sport and physical activity and the positive impact it has on young people's health and wellbeing.
Pride Cup: harnessing the power of sport, opens in a new tab, AFL Women's, YouTube, (25 June 2019). From humble beginnings as a rainbow 50m line, the Pride Cup has grown and grown, to send a strong message of hope, inclusion and acceptance to LGBTI+.
Diversity is an advantage at Loton Park Tennis Club, opens in a new tab, Tennis Australia YouTube, (21 December 2018). Award-winning Loton Park Tennis Club, based in Perth, Western Australia openly welcomes all participants who identify as LGBTQ+. Their motto is “Diversity is our advantage”. Members of the club have the opportunity to participate in league competitions, social play, Come and Try Days and many other events. Loton Park Tennis Club has strong relationships with other local sports organisations, sharing resources and events.
#OneTeam, opens in a new tab, Team Canada/Équipe Canada, YouTube, (23 June 2015). Athletes share their stories in this Public Service Announcement by Team Canada (Canadian Olympic Team) exploring and promoting LGBTQ inclusion in sport.
NRL to tackle homophobia, opens in a new tab, National Rugby League, YouTube, (9 April 2014). NRL CEO Dave Smith has joined the heads of four of Australia's largest sporting bodies in a united front against homophobia.
Discrimination, Ben Hartung, Play By The Rules Forum, (19 April 2012). Fair go, sport! is a Hockey Victoria project that’s aimed at increasing the awareness of sexual and gender diversity and promoting safe and inclusive environments in Hockey.
Gus Johnston: The reality of homophobia in sport, opens in a new tab, Gus Johnston, YouTube, (14 September 2011) After many years of competing in hockey at an elite level, Gus Johnson decided to share his story and experience with homophobia in sport. These are his personal views and experiences.
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